Structural equation modeling of the effect of childhood trauma on premenstrual syndrome: the mediating role of rumination in adolescent girls

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common adolescent disorder characterized by emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that impair quality of life. Psychological factors, particularly childhood trauma, may influence PMS severity. This study examined the associations between childhood trauma and PMS, with rumination as a potential mediating variable, using structural equation modeling (SEM). A descriptive-analytical SEM design was conducted with 384 high school girls in Saqqez, Iran (2023-2024), selected via multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS), and Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). Analyses were performed in AMOS 26. Childhood trauma had significant direct effects on PMS (β = 0.52, p < 0.001) and rumination (β = 0.48, p < 0.001). Rumination directly influenced PMS (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and mediated the relationship between trauma and PMS (indirect β = 0.20, p < 0.001). The model demonstrated acceptable fit indices. Childhood trauma and rumination are key contributors to PMS severity in adolescent girls. Early detection of these factors and development of targeted psychological interventions are crucial for promoting mental health in this population.